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Asheville Regional Airport

Meet The New Terminal

The airport design is modern, spacious, bright with thoughtful design touches reflective of our area’s natural beauty.  The design includes elements like river-inspired flooring patterns and waterfall-influenced ceilings, and a “living wall” in the new baggage claim.

New Terminal

Windows and Natural Light

Throughout the terminal, walls of windows – often floor-to-ceiling – will make the airport bright and welcoming.

1

Concessions Plaza

A beautiful concessions plaza and inviting spaces to relax before a flight will greet you as you exit the escalator on the second floor.

2

Two Concourses

Five spacious gates to the south, and seven more to the north.  

3

Boarding Bridges

All gates will have dedicated boarding bridges.

4
  • 1
    Windows and Natural Light

    Throughout the terminal, walls of windows – often floor-to-ceiling – will make the airport bright and welcoming.

  • 2
    Concessions Plaza

    A beautiful concessions plaza and inviting spaces to relax before a flight will greet you as you exit the escalator on the second floor.

  • 3
    Two Concourses

    Five spacious gates to the south, and seven more to the north.  

  • 4
    Boarding Bridges

    All gates will have dedicated boarding bridges.

2019-2023
Shooting for the Stars

Shooting for the Stars

3+ year design project resulted in a plan for a new, modern airport for western North Carolina. Read More

The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority began a complex and exciting design process in 2019.  In partnership with Gresham Smith, the architectural firm chosen to create the new design, airport stakeholders and thousands of community members were engaged to hone a guiding aesthetic for our region’s airport of the future.  This “north star” was followed throughout the years of design:  to create a modern gateway, humbly rooted in timeless natural beauty.

May 2023
Plane Icon

Numbers are in – 1Q23 was the busiest January - March in history!

Spring 2023

Mission Control

New central energy plant underway

May 2023

Prepping for Launch

Temporary gate areas opened

August 2023
Terminal groundbreaking

Time to launch!

A historic groundbreaking event was hosted at the airport on August 11, 2023, marking the beginning of the biggest infrastructure project in AVL’s history. Read More

This ceremony kicked off the three-phase construction project that will result in a new airport terminal that will be the vital next step in better serving the western North Carolina community’s travel needs. “The groundbreaking ceremony included airport stakeholders, community leaders, and local, regional, and national elected officials, who witnessed the end of an era and the beginning of the future when a corner of the 62-year old airport terminal was torn down. This historic occasion celebrated the visionary efforts and collaboration that have paved the way for the transformative AVL Forward project, highlighting the vision of past and current leaders. The expansive project is a result of a $400 million investment, supported by a combination of funding sources including federal and state grants, airport revenue bonds, and airport operating revenue.”

November 2023
demolition

North concourse demolition is complete!

Demolition of the north concourse is complete, and Hensel Phelps, AVL’s construction management company, is hard at work building a new north concourse from the ground-up.  Read More

This portion of the AVL Forward project will take about 18 months to complete. Placement of structural steel is anticipated to begin in early 2024. 

November 2023

More parking!

The new 600 space shuttle lot, located south of the airport (across the street from the WNC Ag Center) opened in time for holiday travel. Airport shuttles continuously service the lot.

November 2023

Contractor Reaches 100,000 Man Hours

Hensel Phelps, our construction firm, documented 100,000 man-hours worked.

January 2024
vertical steel

First piece of vertical steel for the new airport terminal was set

The first piece of vertical steel was set at the site for the new North Concourse.

January 2024
Plane

For the first time in history, more than 2 million passengers utilized AVL in 2023!

January 2024
Demolition

Demolition began on the old north ticketing and admin area

Demolition began the week of January 19 on the old north ticketing and admin area. The two-story structure is being demolished to make way for the new north concourse! Vertical steel is being erected adjacent to the demolition area. 

February 2024
Construction

The first section of curbside canopy on the north end of the terminal was demolished.

February 2024

A milestone moment for the air traffic control tower

A massive concrete pour for the base of the tower was completed.

March 2024
North Concourse decking

Vertical steel and concrete decking complete

The vertical steel installation and concrete decking for the new North Concourse was completed. 

May 2024

New operating changes implemented

The rental car check-in counters moved to temporary modular buildings. Also, a new outside queuing space for the ticket lobby was created.

Latest News

5-12-2023 // 12:14pm

The numbers are in showing a record first quarter 2023 at Asheville Regional Airport

Read More

The numbers are in, and for the first time in history Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) served more than 400,000 passengers in the year’s first quarter– a 29% increase over the previous year’s record number of 312,000.  Additionally, each month’s passenger numbers for January, February and March were the highest in history, showing a strengthening of air service and utilization in the winter months at AVL.

Airlines continue to invest in the western North Carolina region and have grown their capacity (seats for sale in the market) in winter months.  And passengers are using the additional air service, showing strong demand.

“Approximately 60% of AVL passengers during first quarter 2023 were visitors to the region, a strong indicator of the strength of destination appeal even in what have been traditionally slower winter months.,” said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., President and CEO.  “And I believe that this growth trend is in part due to the excellent work by Explore Asheville in telling our region’s ‘destination’ story.” 

The growing number of passengers year-round are contributing to the airport’s need for a larger terminal and additional parking options.  The airport is currently constructing a new parking lot south of the terminal with 650 spaces, and the new airport terminal groundbreaking is slated for August.

This month, the airport opened a new temporary boarding area in preparation for the major terminal construction project that will more than double the size of the airport.  The new boarding area is a modular building adjacent to the terminal and will be used for approximately two years while new expanded gate areas are constructed.

“It is a pivotal time for our region in terms of air service growth and building for our future,” said Bleiweis.  “We are embarking on an exciting journey to create the airport of our region’s future, and we couldn’t do it without the support of our community and our travelers.  We are grateful for our region’s confidence in their local airport and promise that the next few years of construction will be an adventure worth taking together.  The end result will be phenomenal.”

Serving more than 1.8 million passengers in 2022, Asheville Regional Airport is continuing its growth trajectory.  Now the third largest airport in North Carolina, the airport is served by six airlines that provide nonstop service to 26 unique airport destinations.  For more information, visit flyavl.com.

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Year

January
Passengers

February 
Passengers

March
Passengers

2022 (Record Year)

82,372

94,697

135,068

2023

123,117

117,682

161,265

Percent Change

+49.5%

+24.3%

+19.4%
1-25-2023 // 2:07pm

Airport breaks ground on new Air Traffic Control Tower, a once-in-decades historic event

Read More

(Asheville, N.C.) Asheville Regional Airport and the Federal Aviation Administration joined together today to break ground on a new air traffic control tower (ATCT). The new ATCT will replace the existing 62-year-old tower, which is one of the oldest in the country and is currently located within the airport terminal. The new ATCT is a $55 million project ($44 million construction and $11 million for equipment and technology) and will be located on the west side of the airport, across the runway from the airport terminal.

“It isn't every day that an airport gets the opportunity to build an air traffic control tower,” said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., Greater Asheville Regional Airport (GARAA) President and CEO. “Control towers are iconic and vastly important to the nation's aviation system - key infrastructure that allows aviation of all kinds to operate safely and efficiently. AVL needs a new tower, and this historic day is one more step toward the infrastructure growth we need to meet the swiftly growing air service needs in western North Carolina”

Also significant, the AVL ATCT is one of only two such projects nationwide that received grant funds approved by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. AVL received $15 million towards the project.

 “Our board has spent years planning for this very day,” said Brad Galbraith, GARAA Board Chair. “Infrastructure investments are significant, long-lasting, impactful and important – and we want to get it right. I am proud to serve on a board with strategic thinkers who have the airport’s growth and impact squarely in view. What is happening here today marks a tangible step toward this airport’s future.”

When the new tower is complete, the existing tower will be demolished to make room for airport terminal expansion. The ATCT project is part of a years-long strategic plan involving significant infrastructure investment needed to manage the fast-paced growth occurring at AVL and in western North Carolina.

The new ATCT was designed by architects at Pond and Company and will be constructed by J. Kokolakis Construction. The project is slated to be complete in 2025.

The third-busiest airport in the state, Asheville Regional Airport is an anchor organization in western North Carolina, contributing more than $2.2 billion annually to the regional economy. AVL is served by six airline partners: Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Sun Country and United, who offer nonstop service to 25 unique airport destinations throughout the country. To learn more, visit www.flyavl.com.

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1-13-2023 // 11:06am

AVL announces record year of passenger utilization and economic impact to the region

Read More

Important numbers are in, and 2022 was a record year of passenger utilization for the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL).  1,838,793 passengers flew to or from AVL in 2022, a 29% increase over 2021, and the highest number of passengers ever served in one year.

Also just released, the North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Aviation economic impact study shows that AVL contributes $2.26 billion in annual economic impact to the region. The airport supports 10,655 jobs, contributes $118 million in tax revenue to the region, and more than $700 million in personal income. 

“The airport continues to be an anchor organization in western North Carolina, providing global connectivity for residents and visitors, as well as contributing to the economic vitality of the entire region,” said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., President and CEO.  “Our growth is linked directly to our local travelers’ willingness to fly from their local airport, the commitment our airline partners have made to serve our region and grow their air service, and to the increasing popularity of the area as a nationally known travel destination.  Now the third-busiest airport in the state, the impact of our airport continues to expand, which is very good for our region.”

In total, North Carolina’s publicly owned airports are an important sector in the overall economic makeup of the state.  Airports contribute $72 billion to the state’s economy, which is approximately 11% of the state’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or total economic output.

 “Our board is deeply focused on the significant growth our region’s airport has experienced, and the plans occurring to manage that growth and the future are exciting,” said Brad Galbraith, Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority Board Chair.  “Visionary work is underway, and the results will serve our region and its airport for decades into the future.  It’s imperative work, as our region’s airport is a major cornerstone of western North Carolina for personal and business travel.”

AVL is served by six airline partners:  Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Sun Country and United, who offer nonstop service to 25 unique airport destinations throughout the country.  To learn more, visit www.flyavl.com.

 

Asheville Regional Airport, by the numbers:

Five-year annual passenger trend

YEAR

ANNUAL PASSENGERS

% CHANGE YR/YR

2018

1,134,568

+19%

2019

1,616,762

+43%

2020

704,972

-56% *Pandemic

2021

1,428,266

103%

2022

1,838,793

+29%

 

Economic Impact (source: NC DOT Division of Aviation:  www.ncdot.gov/aviation)

 

Annual economic impact

$2.26 Billion

 

Jobs supported

10,655

 

Personal income generated

$727 Million

 

Local tax revenue generated

$118 Million

 

Annual operations (take offs/landings)

58,204

 

Based aircraft

147

 

Commercial airlines

6

 

Nonstop commercial routes (unique airports)

25

 

 

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Photos

Check out our photo gallery!

The Expedition Team

Visionaries.  Imagineers.  Dreamers.  Designers.  Planners.  Builders.

Gresham Smith
Hensel Phelps
Parsons
Questions
Why build a new terminal?
What is the construction timeline?
Why are all flights ground boarding now? Will boarding bridges come back?
What are some of the coolest things to look forward to?
Will more airlines and routes come to AVL when the project is complete?
How is this major project funded?
Is more parking being added?
What is the passenger experience like right now in the airport?
Answers

One word:  growth. 

The airport has seen remarkable growth for the past seven years and has been one of the fastest-growing airports in the country for most of those years.  AVL is the gateway to and from western North Carolina, a place more and more people call home or want to visit.  We are literally bursting at the seams.  It’s time for more space, for now and for the future.

Blast off to a 3.5-year journey

We officially broke ground in August 2023, and we are projecting to complete the project within 3.5 years (with final touches still underway after we open).  This is a phased project, so you will enjoy much of the new terminal much sooner, with a new north concourse projected to open in 2025.  Check out our interactive timeline for more details.

Travel is about adventure, right?

We know that it feels like a blast from the past to walk outside on the tarmac, brave the elements, and make your way to a set of air stairs to board your plane.  Rest assured, outside "ground boarding" is only necessary during our first two years of construction.  We don’t have room right now for boarding bridges – we need every inch of ramp space possible for the aircraft.  Boarding bridges will be back as soon as we open the north concourse in 2025.  Thanks for bearing with us and tapping into your adventurous spirit!

We're over-the-moon about what's coming.

Here are a few examples:

  • A lovely, airy food, beverage and retail plaza with room to orbit and lots of local options available (stay tuned – more to come about this!).

  • We can't wait to install our living wall!  It’s a way to bring our beautiful outdoors indoors.

  • The bathroom situation is stellar:  bright, comfortable restrooms with changing tables for babies as well as appropriate space for aging or differently-abled travel companions, inclusive options and ... yes ... even an indoor pet relief area for traveling animals.

  • Dedicated rooms where infants can be fed or nursing mothers can pump will be located near the gate areas.  

  • And ART!  We’ll have multiple mini-galleries in the airport where local art displays will rotate.  And for the first time in our history, we will commission large-scale art pieces for display in key locations.  We are WNC, after all.  Art is a huge part of our sense of place.

  • There’s so much more – we’ll add to this list as more details become available.

Our mission:  ready for the future

This project is about meeting our space needs now and making sure we’ve planned for potential growth in the future.  While we can’t predict exactly what will happen, we do believe that growth will continue in our region and at AVL.  And we will be ready.

Mission Control - financing the biggest project in AVL's history

This major $400 million project is being funded by government bonds, federal and state grants (entitlement and discretionary), and airport operating funds.  Our operating funds come from users of the airport:  airlines, rental car companies, other tenants of the airport, advertisers, and passengers (when they pay to utilize airport services, such as parking).

*Note:  no tax dollars are used to fund airport capital projects or operations.

A separate mission:  Project Parking

AVL Forward is solely about building a new terminal.  However, we have our eye on parking, as well.  Simultaneously in the first year of this project, we will be building an additional remote shuttle lot south of the airport (across from the WNC Ag Center).  And our master plan calls for a focus on a second parking garage, when the time is right.  Stay tuned.

It's a space adventure!

Good news!  We are operating in similar square footage that we’ve always had - just in different locations.  We still have our large, grand gate area to the south, with two-story ceilings and windows and comfortable seating available for passengers.  We have added temporary gate space adjacent to this south gate, which houses three boarding areas, restrooms and a bar.     

And for a while (until the new north concourse opens in 2025), you will be walking outside to get on and off aircraft.  Just part of the adventure, right?

We’ll pamper you from time to time, surprising you with pop-up events with goodies and smiles.  We promise to keep you informed and give you ways to communicate with us if you have ideas about how we can make this process more comfortable for you.

Thanks for your patience and keep cheering for AVL.  We’re your airport, and in just a few short years, it’ll be an out-of-this-world passenger experience every day.

Back to Questions

#AVLForward

Let’s get social!  Check out recent pics, events, and more.

More space is landing in the near future, where you'll board your flight in astronomical style with two concourses and twelve gates. It'll be here faster than you think. Learn more at https://flyavl.com/AVLForward #AVLForward #FlyAVL

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What a difference a year makes... Take a look at our Central Energy Plant one year ago vs. now! #AVLForward #flyAVL

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Piece by piece the new north concourse is coming together! #AVLForward

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Green light? Pull right in - that spot's available! Our new parking garage guidance system allows you to see where spots are available at a glance, increasing efficiency when searching for your spot. #flyAVL #AVLForward

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🌟✈️ STELLAR GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🌟✈️ At AVL we know that our passengers are superstars! We had an astronomical 2.2 million passengers fly through AVL in 2023, and we're building MORE SPACE for you ... let's celebrate by giving away #AVLForward socks! LIKE and COMMENT on this post (by 2/23/24 at 4pm) for your chance to win a pair of custom socks! #flyAVL

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Can you spot the difference? You may have noticed something missing along the curb at AVL. Recently, a portion of the front canopy along the curbside at the north end of the terminal was demolished. It's another step in our progress toward a new and larger terminal! #flyAVL #AVLForward

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What Our Passengers Are Saying

"I’m looking forward to our new airport terminal and love flying my hometown Asheville Regional Airport." -Eliana O. 

"We love AVL and are excited for the much needed renovations and upgrades! Can't wait to see the 'new' AVL!!" -Eric M. 

"I absolutely love flying in and out of the Asheville Airport and do so multiple times a year! I can't wait to see the new terminal when finished! AVL Forward!" -Dawn L. 

"Fly AVL every other week and enjoy the growth and progress." -Ricardo C. 

"Great job, looking forward to the the bigger and better service AVL will provide while still keeping that small personal feeling." -Maureen W. 

"Love flying through this airport. So easy and can’t wait for the new terminal!" -Ryan W. 

Send Us a Signal

We want to hear from you.  Let us know your compliments, ideas for improvements, questions or concerns.  And thank you for flying from AVL!

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